Former Celtic Antoine Walker lining up last shot in D-League

Photo by Dan HicklingFormer Celtics' All-Star Antoine Walker is now toiling in the NBA Development League hoping to get another shot at the NBA.

By JAY KING

SPRINGFIELD – Six or seven months passed, and Antoine Walker did not touch a basketball once. After flushing away more than $100 million of career earnings through a mixture of gambling losses, unnecessary expenditures and failed business ventures, the former Boston Celtic wondered what was next.

“It was time for me to really sit down and figure out what I want to do in life,” Walker said.

“And I still wanted to play.”

At 33 years old (34 now) and entirely out of shape, Walker knew a comeback wouldn’t be easy. He called his former coach, Rick Pitino, and shared his intentions of an NBA return. The two began working toward Walker’s comeback, and, under Pitino’s watch, Walker shed “20 or 25 pounds.”

It was a disappointment when Walker did not receive an invite to any NBA training camps. But rather than feeling discouraged, Walker phoned Randy Livingston, head coach for the Idaho Stampede of the NBA Development League. Walker has known Livingston since their high school days.

Earlier this month, Walker officially signed with the Stampede, where “Employee Number Eight” now wears the number 24.

“I had a couple opportunities to go overseas,” Walker said, “but I didn’t want to go over there. I felt like if I went overseas, I would have probably been out of the loop to what I really wanted to do.”

Walker never thought his career would lead to Idaho, but acknowledged it is the best option to attain his ultimate objective – playing in the NBA. For now, he plays his hardest and hopes for another NBA chance.

“I just want to play, get my legs under me, let my play speak for itself,” he said. “I think it’s all about opportunity. I think when call-ups happen, it’s going to be a team that needs a guy that’s 6’9 with my skill level, that can stretch the floor and do certain things. I think it’s basically going to be about timing, and being in the right situation.”

Though he has not spoken with former Celtics co-star Paul Pierce since the summer (he believes the two will talk soon), Walker looks back on his time in Boston fondly. Reflecting on his years with the Celtics, Walker still takes pride in re-establishing a competitive team in Boston. He believes New England fans appreciate his Boston career, too.

“The reception that I got Thursday night in Maine was unbelievable, unexpected,” he said. “People still appreciate what I’ve done in the eight years I played in Boston, so it was a great feeling. It makes you hungrier to get back.”

Walker has hired new representation, and trusts his best interests are now being met. With his off-the-court problems being handled, Walker just wants to play basketball.

“Just being a competitor – that’s the one thing that you miss about the game,” he said.

Everything about the D-League is different for Walker. The lifestyle, pay, travel, and crowds – none of it compares to when Walker was an NBA star, shooting and shimmying the Celtics into a mini-resurgence.

But even the bumpy bus rides, meager pay and understated lifestyle beat the alternative. Antoine Walker spent time away from basketball, and he missed it.

“My heart’s in the game,” he said. “I love the game. Hopefully, I can be a part of this game forever.”